Mandisa Williams will lead South Africa's challenge at
Women's Rugby World Cup 2010 after coach Denver Wannies
unveiled his 26-strong squad for the tournament in England next
month.
Williams has been an inspirational leader for South Africa
this year as they won their first ever test matches away from home
with series victories over Kazakhstan and Scotland to remain
unbeaten in 2010.
The flanker is also one of nine players who return for a
second Women's Rugby World Cup campaign, having been part of
the first ever South African side to grace the stage four years
ago.
The other returnees from a winless but valuable learning
experience in Canada are Yolanda Meiring, Fundiswa Plaatjie, Cebisa
Kula, Lamla Momoti, Saloma Booysen, Zandile Nojoko, Namhla Siyolo
and Dolly Mavumengwa.
Williams, Meiring, Momoti, and Booysen are also among 10
players from South Africa's squad in the inaugural Women's
Rugby World Cup Sevens competition in Dubai last March who will
also play in the pinnacle of the 15-a-side Women's Game.
It could have been 11 only Natasha Hoffmeester, another
player who played at WRWC 2006 in Canada, underwent foot surgery
recently which has ruled her out for a few months to rule her out
of selection.
Great strides forward
"The players worked extremely hard and made huge
sacrifices and their selection is just reward for their
efforts," explained Wannies, who coached the SA Women's
Sevens team in Dubai.
"I am satisfied with our preparation so far but they
know there's still a lot of work to be done between now and
when we leave for the UK on 15 August.
SARU President Oregan Hoskins met the players at their
training camp in Port Elizabeth earlier this month and wished them
well for a campaign which will pit them against defending champions
New Zealand, RWC Sevens winners Australia and Wales in Pool A.
"The SA Women's team has made great strides during
the past two seasons," said Hoskins. "Our country has
just completed a fantastic FIFA World Cup and we have showed we can
deliver when it matters.
"Therefore, our national teams must realise they have a
huge responsibility in terms of their general conduct and
performances. I have no doubt they will made us extremely proud
and, on behalf of SARU, I want to wish them well in their World Cup
campaign."
South Africa could not face a more daunting opening match at
the World Cup in three-time defending champions New Zealand on 20
August. Wannies side then face Wales four days later before
completing the pool stages against Australia on 28 August.
Look out later in the week for South Africa coach Denver
Wannies' latest column for rwcwomens.com.
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